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Smalltooth haplochromis (Haplochromis microdon) — Cichlidae

Smalltooth haplochromis

Haplochromis microdon
Family: Cichlidae

The Smalltooth haplochromis (Haplochromis microdon) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
14.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
2.0–11.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania

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Description

The Smalltooth haplochromis is a cichlid from Lakes Edward and George in East Africa. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, laterally compressed body; males often colour bright blue-green or yellowish with egg-spots on the anal fin, females duller. It is a predator with a fairly large mouth. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Smalltooth haplochromis?

The Smalltooth haplochromis has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Smalltooth haplochromis live?

The Smalltooth haplochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania

How big does the Smalltooth haplochromis get?

The Smalltooth haplochromis grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Smalltooth haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Smalltooth haplochromis is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Smalltooth haplochromis (Haplochromis microdon) — Cichlidae — 2
Francisco Santini (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — NHMUK
Smalltooth haplochromis (Haplochromis microdon) — Cichlidae — 3
The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — NHMUK
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All data

Identification

English name
Smalltooth haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis microdon
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
11.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Haplochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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